Description

The four-story base of the C-shaped high-rise is reserved for cultural, commercial, and community uses; the 23 stories above are a complex structure housing 172 apartments of 49 different types, all accessed from the inner side of the two wings of the C-shaped plan.

However, built to the maximum allowable height of 100 m, the skyscraper would have exceeded the permitted density by 10 percent, a problem that is solved with the so-called “missing matrices.” These are voids cut out of the tower. They not only define the appearance of the tower, but also generate typologically surprising floor plans.The 15 voids augment the total facade surface and provide additional natural light and a better view for the apartments.

This design also results in units that are open on three sides, with floor plans that are wrapped around and organized on either side of these voids. These units also benefit from having generous open spaces, in part planted with trees: in some two-story units the balcony reaches from one facade to the other and the only connection between the interior levels is a staircase volume projecting into the void; there are apartments in which the rooms are connected via a bridge, or corner units with generous terrace gardens, which divide the floor plan into private and common areas.

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Originally published in: Oliver Heckmann, Friederike Schneider (eds.), Floor Plan Manual Housing, fourth revised and expanded edition, Birkhäuser, 2011.